The Wollongong Undergraduate Students Association (WUSA) said the case could set a precedent for other universities to follow.

WUSA President Peter Munford said student union independence across the country was at risk.

“I would call on the University of Wollongong to make a direct statement that they will not, at any time in the near future, that they will not make any moves similar to what Macquarie University has done,” he said.